asked the Minister for Agriculture the total amount which has been allocated to Ireland under the various FEOGA schemes; and the proportion of such moneys which has actually been paid.

Expenditure from the guarantee section of FEOGA, which covers market support arrangements as well as the MCA system, is recouped on a monthly basis as it is incurred. The total allocated to Ireland and paid up to the end of 1977 was £550 million approximately.

Expenditure from the guidance section of FEOGA which covers measures for the improvement of agricultural structures is mainly refunded as least 12 months in arrears after claims have been processed at national and community level but a proportion is recouped according as work progresses on projects. The total allocation to Ireland up to the end of 1977 was £45 million and the total payments amounted to some £11 million.